Art Director
$2.9K - $4.0K/wk
Skydance Animation is seeking an Art Director to help shape the visual identity of an upcoming animated feature film. This role is central to defining and executing the overall look and feel of the ...
Quick apply
Art Director
$2.9K - $4.0K/wk
Skydance Animation is seeking an Art Director to help shape the visual identity of an upcoming animated feature film. This role is central to defining and executing the overall look and feel of the ...
Art Director
Minneapolis, MN · On-site
$126K - $132K/yr
We are seeking an Art Director with proven Apparel & Accessories (A&A) experience to support a ... The ideal candidate possesses a strong eye for elevated style, exceptional visual storytelling ...
Art Director
Minneapolis, MN · On-site
$126K - $132K/yr
We are seeking an Art Director with proven Apparel & Accessories (A&A) experience to support a ... The ideal candidate possesses a strong eye for elevated style, exceptional visual storytelling ...
Art Director
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$130K - $136K/yr
Concept video and motion-based visual executions, and direct filmmaker and design maker partners. * Art Direction & Design Execution * Contribute to the visual direction and design execution of ...
Art Director
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$130K - $136K/yr
Concept video and motion-based visual executions, and direct filmmaker and design maker partners. * Art Direction & Design Execution * Contribute to the visual direction and design execution of ...
Art Director
Santa Monica, CA · On-site
$2.9K - $4.0K/wk
Skydance Animation is seeking an Art Director to help shape the visual identity of an upcoming animated feature film. This role is central to defining and executing the overall look and feel of the ...
Art Director
Santa Monica, CA · On-site
$2.9K - $4.0K/wk
Skydance Animation is seeking an Art Director to help shape the visual identity of an upcoming animated feature film. This role is central to defining and executing the overall look and feel of the ...
Art Director
Chicago, IL · Hybrid
$124K - $130K/yr
Art Director Location: Chicago, Illinois About the role: As Art Director, you'll work as both ... The ability to translate strategy into a visual idea, and a visual idea into polished, finished ...
Art Director
Chicago, IL · Hybrid
$124K - $130K/yr
Art Director Location: Chicago, Illinois About the role: As Art Director, you'll work as both ... The ability to translate strategy into a visual idea, and a visual idea into polished, finished ...
Art Director
$123K - $130K/yr
The Art Director sets the visual direction, guides designers and freelancers, reviews creative work for quality and consistency, and partners closely with marketing, communications, product marketing ...
Art Director
$123K - $130K/yr
The Art Director sets the visual direction, guides designers and freelancers, reviews creative work for quality and consistency, and partners closely with marketing, communications, product marketing ...
Art Director
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$130K - $136K/yr
Concept video and motion-based visual executions, and direct filmmaker and design maker partners. * Art Direction & Design Execution * Contribute to the visual direction and design execution of ...
Art Director
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$130K - $136K/yr
Concept video and motion-based visual executions, and direct filmmaker and design maker partners. * Art Direction & Design Execution * Contribute to the visual direction and design execution of ...
Art Director
Miami, FL · On-site
$115K - $121K/yr
Maintain Visual Standards: Develop and maintain brand visual standards, ensuring consistency and quality across all channels. * Lead and Inspire the Team: Direct, lead, and inspire a team of graphic ...
Art Director
Miami, FL · On-site
$115K - $121K/yr
Maintain Visual Standards: Develop and maintain brand visual standards, ensuring consistency and quality across all channels. * Lead and Inspire the Team: Direct, lead, and inspire a team of graphic ...
Visual Art Coordinator
Panama City, FL · On-site
$50K/yr
Pyramid Panama City is hiring a full-time Visual Arts Coordinator to oversee and elevate our arts ... the director. * Create opportunities for artists and performers to display their work in the ...
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Visual Art Coordinator
Panama City, FL · On-site
$50K/yr
Pyramid Panama City is hiring a full-time Visual Arts Coordinator to oversee and elevate our arts ... the director. * Create opportunities for artists and performers to display their work in the ...
Art Director
Draper, UT · On-site
$113K - $118K/yr
The Role We're looking for an Art Director to own the visual voice of böhme across every place a customer meets the brand - photography, video, web, email, social, paid media, packaging, and in ...
Art Director
Draper, UT · On-site
$113K - $118K/yr
The Role We're looking for an Art Director to own the visual voice of böhme across every place a customer meets the brand - photography, video, web, email, social, paid media, packaging, and in ...
Visual Art Coordinator
Panama City, FL · On-site
$50K/yr
Pyramid Panama City is hiring a full-time Visual Arts Coordinator to oversee and elevate our arts ... the director. * Create opportunities for artists and performers to display their work in the ...
Quick apply
Visual Art Coordinator
Panama City, FL · On-site
$50K/yr
Pyramid Panama City is hiring a full-time Visual Arts Coordinator to oversee and elevate our arts ... the director. * Create opportunities for artists and performers to display their work in the ...
Art Director
$132K - $138K/yr
Art Director We are seeking a highly creative, passionate experienced Art Director with 5-7 years ... Develop and execute a cohesive visual strategy that enhances the online shopping experience and ...
Art Director
$132K - $138K/yr
Art Director We are seeking a highly creative, passionate experienced Art Director with 5-7 years ... Develop and execute a cohesive visual strategy that enhances the online shopping experience and ...
Art Director
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$130K - $136K/yr
Concept video and motion-based visual executions, and direct filmmaker and design maker partners. * Art Direction & Design Execution * Contribute to the visual direction and design execution of ...
Quick apply
Art Director
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$130K - $136K/yr
Concept video and motion-based visual executions, and direct filmmaker and design maker partners. * Art Direction & Design Execution * Contribute to the visual direction and design execution of ...
Art Director
Manhattan, NY · On-site
$110K - $135K/yr
Art Director We are seeking a highly creative, passionate experienced Art Director with 5-7 years ... Develop and execute a cohesive visual strategy that enhances the online shopping experience and ...
Art Director
Manhattan, NY · On-site
$110K - $135K/yr
Art Director We are seeking a highly creative, passionate experienced Art Director with 5-7 years ... Develop and execute a cohesive visual strategy that enhances the online shopping experience and ...
We are now looking for the visual thinker who will help define how SharkNinja looks, feels, and ... The Sr. Art Director is a conceptual powerhouse who leads with ideas and executes with precision.
We are now looking for the visual thinker who will help define how SharkNinja looks, feels, and ... The Sr. Art Director is a conceptual powerhouse who leads with ideas and executes with precision.
Art Director
New York, NY · On-site
Art Director We are seeking a highly creative, passionate experienced Art Director with 5-7 years ... Develop and execute a cohesive visual strategy that enhances the online shopping experience and ...
Quick apply
Art Director
New York, NY · On-site
Art Director We are seeking a highly creative, passionate experienced Art Director with 5-7 years ... Develop and execute a cohesive visual strategy that enhances the online shopping experience and ...
Art Director, Experiential
New York, NY · On-site
$132K - $138K/yr
The Art Director, Experiential at Something Special Studios brings ideas to life through visual worlds, spatial storytelling, and elevated design across brand activations, installations, and cultural ...
Art Director, Experiential
New York, NY · On-site
$132K - $138K/yr
The Art Director, Experiential at Something Special Studios brings ideas to life through visual worlds, spatial storytelling, and elevated design across brand activations, installations, and cultural ...
Art Director
Lehi, UT · Hybrid
$113K - $119K/yr
Our ideal candidate is able to create and direct world-class visual content backed by data and strategy. If you're already an art director or an experienced Senior Graphic Designer looking for the ...
Quick apply
Art Director
Lehi, UT · Hybrid
$113K - $119K/yr
Our ideal candidate is able to create and direct world-class visual content backed by data and strategy. If you're already an art director or an experienced Senior Graphic Designer looking for the ...
Art Director
Lehi, UT · Hybrid
$113K - $119K/yr
Our ideal candidate is able to create and direct world-class visual content backed by data and strategy. If you're already an art director or an experienced Senior Graphic Designer looking for the ...
Art Director
Lehi, UT · Hybrid
$113K - $119K/yr
Our ideal candidate is able to create and direct world-class visual content backed by data and strategy. If you're already an art director or an experienced Senior Graphic Designer looking for the ...
Art Director
$120K - $126K/yr
ART DIRECTOR About Us Cronin is a growing, fully integrated advertising and marketing agency based ... Develop design systems, visual identities, and brand guidelines that are consistent and scalable
Art Director
$120K - $126K/yr
ART DIRECTOR About Us Cronin is a growing, fully integrated advertising and marketing agency based ... Develop design systems, visual identities, and brand guidelines that are consistent and scalable
Visual Art Director information
See salary details
$44.5K - $53.8K
0% of jobs
$53.8K - $63K
1% of jobs
$63K - $72.3K
1% of jobs
$72.3K - $81.6K
1% of jobs
$81.6K - $90.9K
2% of jobs
$90.9K - $100.1K
1% of jobs
$100.1K - $109.4K
1% of jobs
$109.4K - $118.7K
0% of jobs
$120.5K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$118.7K - $128K
91% of jobs
$128K - $137.2K
0% of jobs
$137.2K - $146.5K
2% of jobs
$44.5K
$121.8K
$146.5K
How much do visual art director jobs pay per year?
As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for visual art director in the United States is $121,757.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,000.00 and $127,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
How to become a visual art director?
To become a visual art director, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in fine arts, graphic design, or a related field, along with several years of experience in graphic design, art, or creative roles. Developing strong leadership, communication, and project management skills, along with proficiency in design software like Adobe Creative Suite, is essential for advancing to this role.
How does a Visual Art Director typically collaborate with other creative team members during a project?
A Visual Art Director works closely with designers, copywriters, photographers, and marketing teams to ensure a unified visual direction for projects. They provide guidance and feedback throughout the creative process, lead brainstorming sessions, and review design drafts to ensure consistency with the project's vision and brand guidelines. Regular meetings and open communication are essential, as the Art Director bridges the gap between creative concepts and practical execution, ensuring all team members are aligned on objectives and timelines.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Visual Art Director, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Visual Art Director, you need a strong background in visual design, art theory, and project leadership, often supported by a degree in fine arts or design and a robust portfolio. Expertise in industry-standard design tools like Adobe Creative Suite, as well as familiarity with project management software, is typically required. Creativity, strong communication, and the ability to inspire and guide a team are critical soft skills that set top performers apart. These competencies are vital for producing compelling visual content, maintaining brand consistency, and efficiently leading creative teams to deliver high-impact projects.
Is there a demand for art directors?
The demand for art directors remains strong across industries such as advertising, media, and entertainment, driven by the need for visual storytelling and branding. Employment is projected to grow at a steady rate, and skills in digital tools and design are increasingly important for success in the role.
What is the difference between Visual Art Director vs Graphic Designer?
| Aspect | Visual Art Director | Graphic Designer |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Design, or related field; strong portfolio | Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or related field; portfolio required |
| Work Environment | Creative agencies, advertising firms, media companies, film and TV production | Advertising agencies, marketing departments, publishing, digital media |
| Industry Usage | Used to oversee visual concepts across multiple projects and media | Used to create visual content, layouts, and designs for specific projects |
The main difference is that a Visual Art Director oversees the overall visual style and direction across multiple projects, often managing teams and conceptualizing broad visual strategies. In contrast, a Graphic Designer focuses on creating specific visual content and designs for individual projects. Both roles require strong artistic skills and a good understanding of visual communication, but the scope and responsibilities differ significantly.
What does a visual art director do?
A visual art director oversees the visual style and imagery of a project, such as advertising campaigns, films, or publications. They collaborate with creative teams, develop visual concepts, and ensure the visual elements align with the overall vision, often using tools like Adobe Creative Suite. Strong leadership, artistic skills, and understanding of design principles are essential for this role.
What is the highest paying visual arts career?
The highest paying careers in visual arts often include roles such as Art Director, Creative Director, or Senior Visual Designer, especially in advertising, film, or digital media industries. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and proficiency with industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite or 3D modeling software, and they can offer salaries exceeding six figures depending on the industry and location.
More about Visual Art Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Visual Art Director jobs? Cities with the most Visual Art Director job openings:
What states have the most Visual Art Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Visual Art Director jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Visual Art Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Visual Art Director jobs are:
Job description
Skydance Animation is seeking an Art Director to help shape the visual identity of an upcoming animated feature film. This role is central to defining and executing the overall look and feel of the film, ensuring a cohesive and compelling visual experience that supports both story and character.
The Art Director will report to the Production Designer and will work in close partnership with the Director and the rest of the creative leadership team to bring the film’s visual vision to life, translating conceptual ideas into a clear and actionable visual direction for the broader art team. Throughout production, they will collaborate across departments, including environments, characters, lighting, and effects, to maintain artistic consistency and elevate the quality of every frame.
This position requires a strong artistic sensibility, a deep understanding of visual storytelling, and the ability to lead and inspire artists in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment. The ideal candidate is both a visionary and a problem-solver and someone who can balance creative ambition with production realities while pushing the film’s aesthetic to new heights.
Prior experience on an animated feature film is required.
- Champion and help execute the Director’s creative vision for the film’s visual identity, in close partnership with the Production Designer, ensuring consistency and excellence from development through final delivery
- Define, develop, and clearly communicate the film’s artistic style, with a particular focus on environments, sets, props, and color design, establishing a cohesive visual language across all departments
- Create and contribute high-quality concept art, visual development materials, and key imagery
- Collaborate with the Production Designer to lead and oversee the Los Angeles and Madrid based Art Departments, fostering alignment, consistency, and a unified creative direction across global teams (including occasional travel as needed)
- Provide ongoing artistic direction, feedback, and mentorship to team members, supporting their growth while maintaining high creative standards
- Work closely with studio leadership, production, and technical teams to align on creative goals, production timelines, tools, and budget, balancing artistic ambition with practical execution
- Prepare and deliver compelling presentations that communicate the film’s visual direction to studio executives, stakeholders, and external partners
- Partner with production leadership, Talent Development, and Talent Acquisition to identify, evaluate, and help secure top artistic talent for key roles across departments (both internally and externally)
- Facilitate clear and proactive communication across departments
- Other duties as assigned
- 6 years of experience working on animated feature productions; experience in leading or supervising an Art Department, preferably within CG animated feature films a plus
- Demonstrated ability to develop visual ideas from initial concept through final execution, with a strong sense of ownership and creative problem-solving
- Exceptional understanding of design fundamentals, including composition, color theory, lighting, shape language, and visual storytelling
- Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to guide, motivate, and develop artists in a collaborative production environment
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize across multiple demands while maintaining a high standard of artistic quality
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative mindset and the ability to clearly articulate creative direction to diverse teams
- Ability to balance creative vision with production realities, aligning the needs of the show, department, and studio
- Solid understanding of animation production pipelines, workflows, and tools, with proficiency in industry standard software such as Adobe Photoshop
- Experience working across multiple locations or with distributed teams is a plus
The compensation range for this non-exempt position in Los Angeles, CA is $2,900-4,000/week. The rate offered may vary based on the candidate’s location, qualifications, experience and relevant expertise, among other factors. The range indicated is for base salary only and does not reflect the total compensation package, including bonus, benefits, etc.
#Animation